U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made a surprise visit to Kyiv following a Russian drone attack, as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asks for continued military support. With Ukraine struggling against Russia’s eastern front, Zelenskyy’s ‘victory plan’ seeks NATO membership and permission to use Western long-range missiles against Russia.
Despite receiving positive signals from allies like France and the U.S., Zelenskyy has yet to secure full Western endorsement for his plan. The urgency for more support was highlighted by recent Russian strikes on Kyiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia, causing casualties and significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
As the U.S. considers its stance, Austin’s visit aims to discuss how to bolster Ukraine’s defenses. The ongoing conflict poses a grave humanitarian crisis and reinforces the need for international solidarity in deterring Russian aggression.